Risk factors:

In children with heart disease or a birth defect,e.g. tetralogy of fallot Otitis media or chronic ear infections A weakened immune system Drugs that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids or chemotherapy)

Brain abscesses commonly occur when bacteria or fungi infect part of the brain (flavobacteria)

Direct extension

Hematogenous

Following penetrating head injury or neurosurgery

Swelling and irritation (inflammation) develop in response to this infection

Infected brain cells, white blood cells, live and dead bacteria, and fungi collect in an area of the brain

Tissue forms around this area and creates a mass

Early cerebritis

Late cerebritis

Frank abscess formation

Brain swells

Because the skull cannot expand, the mass may put pressure on delicate brain tissue

Infected material can block the blood vessels of the brain

Signs and symptoms:

y y y y y y Changes in mental status Decreased movement Decreased speech (aphasia) Fever and chills Seizures Vomiting